Gay Paree Peony

‘Gay Paree’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Gay Paree’) is a Japanese-style herbaceous peony prized for its vivid magenta-pink outer guard petals and a striking creamy white, frilly center of staminodes. This two-toned beauty adds an exotic yet classic look to the garden and makes a fabulous cut flower. It's also long-lived, highly cold-hardy, and relatively low-maintenance — perfect for prairie gardeners.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Gay Paree’

• Common Name: Gay Paree Peony

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial

• Peony Type: Japanese form

• Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 32–36 inches (80–90 cm)

• Spread: 24–36 inches (60–90 cm)

• Bloom Time: Mid-season (usually early to mid-June in Zone 3)

• Flower Color: Bright pink guard petals with a creamy white or pale yellow tufted center

• Fragrance: Lightly scented — pleasant but not overpowering

• Foliage: Glossy deep green; attractive through the growing season with good fall color

Sun Requirements

• Grows best in full sun (6–8 hours/day)

• Tolerates light shade, though flowering may be reduced

Soil Needs

• Prefers rich, loamy, well-drained soil

• Add compost or aged manure before planting

• Avoid soggy or compacted soil

• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Watering Needs

• Moderate moisture during growing and blooming seasons

• Do not overwater — peonies don’t like “wet feet”

• Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases

Planting & Spacing

• Plant in fall (September is ideal for Zone 3) or in early spring from pots

• Plant roots with buds (eyes) no more than 1–2 inches below the soil surface

  • Too deep = no blooms!

• Spacing: 3 feet apart for airflow and mature size

Maintenance

• Deadhead after flowering to keep plants tidy

• Leave foliage intact until it dies back naturally in the fall

• Cut back stems to the ground after frost

• Apply mulch in late fall in Zone 3 to protect from freeze-thaw cycles

• Divide only when necessary (every 10–15 years)

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring

• Side-dress with compost as buds emerge

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over blooms

Pests & Diseases

• Generally trouble-free

• Watch for:

  • Botrytis blight (gray mold): avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation

  • Aphids on early shoots

• Remove and discard fall foliage to prevent disease carryover

Wildlife & Companion Benefits

• Pollinator-friendly – bees and beneficial insects love it

• Ants are often seen on buds — harmless

• Deer and rabbit resistant

• Companion plants:

  • Catmint (Nepeta)

  • Allium

  • Iris

  • Salvia

  • Ornamental grasses

Garden Uses

• Perennial borders

• Cottage gardens

• Cut flower beds

• Standalone focal plant

• Memorial or legacy gardens (peonies live for generations)

Special Notes

• ‘Gay Paree’ has been a favorite for decades due to its unique bicolor blooms and excellent stem strength

• Makes a wonderful cut flower — long-lasting and eye-catching in bouquets

• Can live 50+ years with little care once established